How Does Stress Affect Your Health?

In our stressful world, our nervous system is over stimulated and over aroused. It is almost like we are stuck in high gear. This can cause all sorts of problems since the Autonomic Nervous System(ANS) controls about 90% of bodily functions.

The American Institute of Stress estimates that 75 – 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems.

A recent study that followed over 1200 senior citizens for 12 years, found that those who began to exhibit mild cognitive impairment due to stress or depression were much more likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease.

Wilson, RS, Schneider, JA et al. Chronic distress and incidence of mild cognitive impairment. Neurology 2007; 68:2085-2092.

Your Mind

Studies have associated prolonged exposure to cortisol (the major stress hormone) to shrinkage in the hippocampus (memory center of the brain). Chronic stress can cause:

•  Memory loss
•  Loss of concentration
•  Decreased performance and productivity at home and at work

Your Body

Sustained high levels of stress have been associated with:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Headaches
• Digestive problems
• Lowered immune response
• Weight gain
• Insulin-resistance, a primary factor in diabetes
• Insomnia
• Sexual and reproductive dysfunction
• Allergies and asthma
• COPD
• Breast, ovarian and cervical cancer

Your Emotions

The inability to adapt to stress has been associated with:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Disruption of normal levels of serotonin – critical for feelings of well-being
• Alcohol or drug abuse